National Guard troops deployed to patrol the streets of Washington, D.C., have begun carrying firearms in an escalation of President Donald Trump’s federal takeover of the nation’s capital

The exact number of troops who would carry their weapons was fluid, but they will either carry M17 pistols or M4 rifles, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

National Guard members are now carrying firearms in Washington, D.C., raising concerns from civil rights groups and residents in the nation’s capital that armed troops could escalate growing tensions as Donald Trump’s federal takeover enters a third week.